A Permanent Staple: Clippers Sign Long-Term Lease Extension

The Clippers have signed a long-term lease extension with AEG to continue playing in Staples Center through the 2013-14 season, according to Jerry Crowe of the L.A. TIMES. Crowe reports the ten-year deal starts this season and includes a void of the final year of the Clippers’ original six-year lease. The Clippers, who do not have their own practice court, are “considering an opportunity” to build an $8-10M state-of-the-art practice facility in the Playa Vista development near the San Diego and Marina freeways. The team has also “talked with AEG about building a facility” at The Home Depot Center in Carson. Clippers Exec VP Andy Roeser “offered no details about the deal, other than to say that ‘going forward you’ll see an improvement in scheduling dates.’” Crowe notes in scheduling the Clippers “usually are third in line behind the Lakers and Kings.” AEG President Tim Leiweke said earlier this month that Staples Center “would make more money from five concerts than it would from a season of Clipper games” (L.A. TIMES, 10/29). Roeser: “We’ve always felt that our future is here in [L.A.].” He added although the Clippers have “had dialogue” over the years with Arrowhead Pond, Staples Center is “our home. It’s been a very successful environment for us” (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 10/29).